Dubai: The Omani Ministry of Health has affirmed that serious lapses in the behavior of some people led to a spike in Covid-19 cases across the sultanate, according to local Omani Media.
Mohammed Bin Saif al Hosni, Undersecretary for Health Affairs, Ministry of Health and member of the Supreme Committee on Covid-19, told Oman TV that the number of new cases almost doubled in three weeks from 25,000 to 47,000, while 104 people lost lives during this period, of which more than half of them were Omanis.
He said, “There has been an increase in the capacity of beds at Royal Hospital in intensive care to 100, it may be also noted that around six per cent of the number of positive cases need to be hospitalized, and from that 20 per cent of them will need intensive care rooms.”
Al Hosni said there are 13 patients in intensive care in Suhar Hospital and 11 patients in intensive care in other governorates.
He added that any respiratory symptoms such as cold, cough, or dry throat, is Covid-19 unless proven otherwise.
“Unacceptable behaviors led to a spike in Covid-19 cases especially in North and South al Batinah governorates. It was found that there was a lack of commitment and carelessness by some people, which included holding family gatherings, birthdays, gathering in cars [more than one person]. There were also cases of affected people mixing [with] others and non-commitment from some institutions not to take temperatures of staff.”
Tough penalties against violators
Oman has decided to toughen penalties against the violators. The decision was approved by the Supreme Committee tasked with tackling developments resulting from coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic during its meeting held on Tuesday under the chairmanship of Hamood bin Faisal al Busaidy, Minister of Interior.
The Supreme Committee confirmed that is moving on to deal sternly with the violators in various manners in order to ensure the safety of individuals and the society in general. This may include publishing the names and pictures of the violators in the media, ONA added.
Stemming from the role of the Supreme Committee to mitigate the economic impact of the COVID-19 on the private sector, and to reduce the financial impact on the companies and institutions that are subject to taxes, the Supreme Committee has agreed a set of tax-related procedures details of which will be announced by the taxation authority.
